JULY 4TH COMMITTEE

4nOV Village of Hales Corners 5635 S. New Berlin Road Hales Corners, WI 53130 Phone: (414) 529-6161 www.halescornerswi.gov James R. Ryan Municipal Building JULY 4TH COMMITTEE Minutes April 9, 2026 Village Hall (Meadows Room) 1.0 Call to Order & Roll Call- N. Wilkes called to order at 6:30pm. Present: N. Wilkes, Dan Besson, Diane Besson, O. Sterny, A. Dunning, J. Gilboy, R.Dodd 2.0 Treasurer’s Report ● No Financial Report 3.0 Treasurer Election ● The committee will hold an election for Treasurer at the next Meeting 4.0 Safety & Security Review ● Officer Henner was not present. ● Road construction updates discussed, no anticipated conflicts with event routes. 5.0 Food and Drink Vendors  Expanded vendor plan approved for 2026 (250th celebration).  Two locations: • Library lot • New Berlin Road (near playground)  Confirmed vendors include: • Elmer’s American • Eric Eats • Rondavu Shaved Ice • The Cha House • Top Dogg! • Perspective Brewing  Health Department requires: • License documentation • $30 inspection fee  Vendors required to manage trash; $150 refundable deposit required. 6.0 Theme for 2026 • “Theme confirmed: Proud Past, Bright Future • “Small Village Big Freedom” reserved for 2027 (75th Anniversary). 7.0 Website – Committee members must make any necessary updates to their events and send to N. Wilkes who will make changes to the website.. 8.0 Events 8.1 Firecracker Four ● New route approved; improves flow and reduces turns. ● Route to be measured manually. ● Need updated route description and map for website. ● Water stop volunteer needed (previous volunteer unavailable). ● Shirts ordered through Ideal Logos. 8.2 Holz Car Show ● D. Besson reported that planning is underway. 8.3 Children’s Parade • A. Dunning said new signage and markers secured (color-coded). • Sponsored by Prime Printing. • Volunteers secured. 8.4 Ice Cream & Children’s Games ● No Discussion ● E. Valaitis not present 8.5 Patriotic Pet Costume Contest • N. Wilkes has this fully organized with judges and prizes secured. 8.6 Pie Baking Contest • E. Valaitis has medals ordered. • Drop-off: 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM • Judging begins at noon. 8.7 Hot Dog Eating Competition ● Still need a coordinator for this event ● N. Wilkes shared that the event is sponsored by Elmer’s American: o $100 contribution o Gift certificates for top 3 winners 8.8 Bed Races ● R. Lindner not present ● No Discussion 8.9 Big Parade • O. Sterny is working on recruitment of parade units ongoing. • Budget allows for additional units if needed. • Potential participants include: o Local municipalities o UW Marching Band (contacted) o Harley-Davidson group o Kwik Trip mascot • Parade Marshal suggested: Lori Komas (Hales Corners Elementary, retiring) N.Wilkes to reach out and ask. • Vehicle options for Parade Marshal under consideration (school vehicle, pickup, convertible). • Parade application to be updated and posted online by Ian. New in 2026 Discussion • Cornhole equipment available; coordinator needed. • Tug-of-war discussed; rope available but coordinator needed. • Event timing (5–7 PM or 6–8 PM) to be finalized.  • Ideal Logos assisting with T-shirt sponsorship and online pre-sales. • Pre-sale window proposed: April 30 – June 13. • Drone photography: No licensed operator currently available • External options being explored 9.0 Adjournment 7:32 pm NEXT MEETING: WEDNESDAY, April 29th at 6:30 pm.